Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1 1/2  cup           Pitted dates -- chopped
   1      cup           Water -- boiling
     1/2  cup           Dark brown sugar
   1                    Egg -- beaten
   3      tablespoon    Shortening -- melted
   1      teaspoon      Vanilla extract
   2      cup           All purpose flour -- sifted
   1      teaspoon      Salt
     1/2  teaspoon      Baking soda
   1 1/2  teaspoon      Baking powder
     1/2  cup           Walnuts -- coarsely chopped

Preparation:

Place the dates in a mixing bowl and add boiling water. Let stand until fairly cool. Then add the brown sugar, egg, shortening and vanilla. Stir the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder into the mixture. Add nuts. Stir until mixed. Bake in a greased and floured loaf pan in a preheated 350 degrees oven for 1 hour. Remove to a cooling rack.